Protests are civil ways in which people demonstrate their displeasure over the state of things in their nations or towards their government. In order to express their demands and say no to certain problems, the public arise in unison towards that particular cause with the aim of drawing needed attention to it. On the other hand, protests have led to series of losses of both lives and properties. Hence, it is important to be cautious during protests due to its tendencies to escalate into more dangerous situations. HseNations reports.
Background
Nigeria is not unknown for such of these demonstrations where the public have come out with placards to express their displeasure over issues. One of such protests was the EndSars Protest which occurred in 2020 which was considered one of the largest protest against police brutality that extended beyond the shores of the continent. Consequent from the protest, economic activities were stifled for that period. This is albeit just one of the protests which has occurred in the country.
June 12 Protest
In lieu of the various and continuous challenges over the state of insecurity in Nigeria, some persons working in tandem with certain civil society groups have stated their intention to stage a nationwide protest on Saturday June 12, 2021. Of note, June 12 was declared as Nigeria’s democracy day by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020 which buttressed this as an important date in the nation’s history. A day where the country witnessed an election that many have claimed was the fairest in the nation’s history.
Cause
The protest they claim, is to serve as a means of declaring their resentment towards their perceived ‘nonchalance’ of the current administration to the insecurity threats challenging the nation.
The date ‘June 12’, also highlights a milestone in the country’s history, and is designated as the country’s democracy day. According to various publicity posters, the protest will make critical demands among which include the abolishment of the 1999 constitution; an end to terrorism, banditry and insecurity; the sack of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Pantami; justice for all the victims of the ENDSARS protests; a revert of electricity tariffs, fuel price, and party deregistration, among others.
Although the locations for the protests are closely guarded, the protests are more likely to hold in some parts the South and FCT. Coupled with the challenges of insecurity in the South East and South South regions, continuous reports of deaths and kidnapping; and the recent ban of Twitter by the Federal Government, there is a heightened and stronger tense in the air which could lead to more risks for both protesters and even non-protesters. To avoid unnecessary loss of lives and victims of a pre-supposed good cause, the public must take cognizance of certain safety tips.
Risks
Among some of the risks latched with such protests include hijacking of protests by political thugs and criminal elements; looting and destruction by criminal elements under the cover of protests; possible violation of human rights by law enforcement officers; possible counter-protest and violence.
Other risks include traffic gridlocks and unintended challenges to business travel; possible loss of lives and damages to assets along primary and secondary protest routes; possible declaration of curfews and movement of restriction should violence spiral beyond law enforcement preliminary mitigations.
Safety for Commuters
Among the safety tips, commuters must make sure that they listen to local radio stations as a way to stay informed. For those are in the road of necessity during the protests must ensure that they go with an ID card.
Safety for Travellers
There should also be limit to travelling in those areas highlighted in the protests. For intra-city travel for essential works, it should be undertaken during early hours of June 12 or a day before.
Hibernation at work or a lodging close to work should be planned for, should a return trip become challenged. Travellers are advised to prepare alternative to travel on the day, consider using secondary supply routes in cases of emergencies.
Safety for Businesses
Business owners should anticipate gridlock on the 11th of June and consider flexible closing hours. They should appraise possibility of remote meetings for the day and early travel with alternate accommodation for essential staff should be explored. Businesses are advised to tighten physical security measures and limit visible activities around major protest routes. Also, business continuity plan for the period should be reviewed and revalidated.
REFERENCE: PR24 NIGERIA
